Naruto: I Roamed the Ninja World as a Woman

Chapter 246 The Kusanagi Sword and the Third Hokage's Abdication

Ayane Amamiya was naturally familiar with the name Ryuchi-dong.

Along with Mount Myōboku and Shikkotsu Forest, it is one of the three sacred lands, a notorious den of snakes in the ninja world, and also the home of Orochimaru's summoning beast Manda.

To her surprise, she actually heard this term from Takenaka Ri.

"The Three-Tails even knows about Ryuchi Cave?"

Ayane Amamiya inquired, "How did it tell you that?"

"Isobu said that a group of intelligent snakes lived in Ryuchi Cave. Their favorite things were smoking, eating people, and collecting jewels and jade." Takenaka Rin recalled and repeated Isobu's original words.

Ah, this—

It's one thing for snakes to eat people, but can they even smoke?

For a fleeting moment, Ayane Amamiya felt a sense of confusion.

But considering that even the toad next door can smoke, it's not entirely incomprehensible that a snake could smoke.

The two girls walked back under the moonlight, whispering to each other.

"Then why did you say there might be a weapon suitable for me inside?"

Takenaka Ri blinked and raised her palm.

A miniature version of the Three-Tailed Fox appeared in her palm. She flicked its tail at the girl and said irritably, "That's because a long time ago, I encountered contractors from Ryuchi Cave. They were carrying strange swords and were extremely arrogant!"

It's obvious that the Three-Tails isn't very forgiving; it's amazing how long it's held onto such a small matter.

"I see—"

Upon hearing this, Ayane Amamiya nodded slightly.

The strange sword mentioned by the Three-Tailed Fox suddenly reminded her of Orochimaru's famous technique, "Snake Spits, I Spit Sword."

Perhaps, that grass sword that can extend indefinitely came from Ryuchi Cave?

Even bolder.

The grass sword that Sasuke obtained after defecting from Konoha actually came from Ryuchi Cave.

If that's really the case—

Then I really do have a reason to go!

While pondering, Ayane Amamiya casually flicked the chibi version of the Three-Tails so hard it flipped it upside down.

After struggling for a long time with grunting and whimpering, the three-tailed beast finally managed to turn over.

The little turtle was furious, but dared not retaliate. So, it angrily spat at her and then disappeared from her palm at the speed of light.

"Does the Three-Tails know the exact location of Ryuchi Cave?"

"Isobu told me that it should be in an uninhabited area on the border between the Land of Lightning and the Land of Hot Springs."

Using her chakra, Takenaka Ri made several noticeable marks in the air with her fingers: "Look, it's probably this place near the sea."

Ayane Amamiya glanced at it and immediately understood.

There are only so many unclaimed territories in the ninja world.

She speculated that this location was very likely the site of the Sound Village base that Orochimaru later established.

"If it's in this location, then it's worth a visit."

The girl thought to herself: I had previously intended to investigate the seaports of the River Country, so I could enter the sea from the port of the River Country and then take the sea route to land near the Hot Spring Country.

As for the other route—

Although she wasn't particularly concerned about crossing the Land of Fire by land.

But if that were to happen, I'm afraid very few people in Konoha would be able to sleep soundly then.

It's even possible that the Third Raikage's feat of fighting against thousands single-handedly will be replicated in my own hands first.

"Are you tempted? Are you tempted? Do you want to go?"

Seeing that she was deep in thought, Takenaka Rin jumped around and egged her on, her intentions obvious.

Ayane Amamiya didn't even need to look to know what he was going to say next: "You want to come with me too?"

"Mmm!" The girl nodded vigorously, full of hope.

"But, I'm afraid that won't work—"

Ayane Amamiya rubbed her round little face, finding it incredibly soft, but still politely declined, saying, "Because among the summoning beasts, only the Three-Tails knows the Reverse Summoning Technique, so I can only feel at ease if you stay in the Land of Rivers."

The Three-Tails is not only a talisman I gave to Takenaka Ri, but also Ayane Amamiya's exclusive summoning device.

Each tailed beast possesses a vast amount of chakra.

This chakra is enough to disregard distance and instantly summon Ayane Amamiya from any corner of the ninja world.

Other summoned beasts, even if they learn the reverse summoning technique, are basically unable to do this.

Takenaka Riko's face froze.

She suddenly realized a terrifying truth: "Does that mean I'll never be able to leave the River Country again?!"

"While that is indeed the case logically."

Ayane Amamiya awkwardly tried to salvage the situation, saying, "But I won't be out here forever. Once I've finished with these things—"

Before the girl could finish speaking, Takenaka Ri punched herself lightly, then huffed and puffed, "I know! Go live with your sand for the rest of your life!"

Done.

With a push of her feet, she decisively released her arms from Ayane Amamiya and chased after Mei Terumi and the others.

The three-tailed creature that had just disappeared reappeared on Takenaka Ri's head.

The tortoise shook its head and wagged its tail at her, looking extremely smug, as if it were mocking something.

Ayane Amamiya:

Takenaka Ri ran too fast, so much so that she didn't have time to do anything to comfort her.

I was originally planning to cosplay as Itachi Uchiha, say the classic "Sorry, this is the last time," and then poke the other person's head with a loving smile.

There wasn't even enough time!

The girl made a hand seal, dispelling the reverse spirit communication technique, and then disappeared without a trace.

Several days later, in Konoha Village.

It was a chilly late autumn afternoon.

Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi and his small group gathered together.

The group had already read the reports from Sakumo Hatake and Shikamei Nara, but they still found them hard to believe.

Danzo remained silent.

After the Root was disbanded, he had been out of work for a long time, and now all he could do was stare blankly at the name "Ayane Amamiya" in the file.

"The essence of a ninja is power—" he murmured to himself, words no one could hear.

"You mean that ninja from Amegakure—"

Mitomon Yan took the report and started speaking, but then awkwardly stopped.

He actually wanted to ask Hiruzen Sarutobi, "What do you think of the opponent's strength?"

After all, the monkey is the strongest ninja among the four of them, and even in Konoha right now.

His advice will definitely be of great value.

But seeing the Third Hokage's listless and dejected appearance, he couldn't bring himself to ask the question.

Hiruzen—

Koharu carefully changed the subject: "What do you think we should do about Shinnosuke's situation?"

Upon hearing his son's name, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally snapped out of his daze.

He took a deep drag on his cigarette, glanced at his fellow veterans around him, and said decisively, "Handle it however you see fit!"

"Whether it's demotion, reprimand, or imprisonment—"

The Third Hokage gave a bitter smile: "As long as Shinnosuke is still alive, there's nothing I, a Hokage who's about to step down, can't accept."

A moment of silence fell over the office.

The small group has worked together for decades and knows each other very well.

The meaning of "monkey" —

He's willing to risk his reputation for the rest of his life to protect his son!

Mitokado Homura exclaimed in surprise, "Hiruzen, you're retiring already?"

"Didn't you already know about this?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed and glanced out the window again: "It's already October—winter is just around the corner, and the ninja world should be quiet for a while. We can take advantage of this time to hold the election for the Fourth Hokage. If all goes well, Jiraiya will be able to take over next spring."

The topic was suddenly steered to a much broader level.

Danzo, who had been silent all along, glanced at the monkey, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He glanced at his two other somewhat restless old friends, gave a slightly disdainful laugh, and then bluntly voiced their concerns: "After the Fourth Hokage takes over, how exactly should the positions of advisors be arranged?"

Traditionally, the Hokage is accompanied by advisors and a Kage bodyguard.

The latter will not be discussed for now.

Although the position of "advisor" was merely a nominal post without official rank, it wielded immense power. Essentially, they could interfere in almost anything, much like the Grand Council or the Cabinet serving the emperor.

"After Jiraiya takes over, Orochimaru will serve as his first assistant and succeed as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

"Yan's position remains unchanged; he will continue to be in charge of diplomatic relations with the Daming Prefecture."

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly explained his plan: "As for Tsunade—if she's willing to go to the medical department, she'll be the next head of medical affairs; if not, the medical department will remain with you, Koharu."

He tapped his pipe: "Of course, no matter what, you all have to step down from your advisory positions and just focus on doing your own jobs well from now on!"

"Then who will serve as the consultant?"

Mitokado is still a bit persistent.

Although his primary job as a "Daimyofu diplomat" is a very lucrative position, who would be willing to give up a position as the Hokage's advisor?

In the original history.

He and Koharu Utatane have been shining brightly for Konoha all the way up to the Boruto era.

"I will become one of the Fourth Hokage's advisors, and after helping Jiraiya with the preliminary work, I will hand over the position to Sakumo."

Hiruzen Sarutobi frankly stated, "Besides that, there will probably be 2-3 more Hokage advisors. The initial idea is one from the Hyuga clan and one from the Nara clan. As for the specific candidates—that depends on Jiraiya's wishes!"

As for the Uchiha, who were on par with the Hyuga.

That was naturally an unspoken understanding, and he excluded them.

"What about Danzo?"

Koharu was also somewhat unhappy with this arrangement, but her tone was much more tactful, knowing to use Danzo to draw attention away from the problem.

"Danzo————"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was stunned for a moment upon hearing this.

Before he could answer, Danzo stood up and said, "I currently have limited energy and need to cooperate with Tsunade to continue the Wood Release experiments. I have no time to manage village affairs!"

Done.

He glared fiercely at Xiaochun in the next room with his only eye, as if he had seen through her attempt to shift the blame.

"Danzo, ah—"

Mitokado Homura hesitated, "Don't try to save face by bragging here. Why would Tsunade research Wood Release with you?"

The personality differences between the two.

Just like Lazy Sheep and Lin Daiyu, they are completely opposite, even on different levels.

Although Tsunade wanted to avenge her boyfriend, she was ultimately a ninja with principles. How could she accept Danzo's ruthless ways of doing things?

This is just a fantasy!

Danzo sneered when he heard their doubts.

Without offering any further explanation, he got up and slammed the door shut as he left!

The ninja thought to himself: "The Monkey King has been in power for decades, and now he's about to abdicate; it's understandable that he's tired and weary. But those two idiots, with Amegakure's rise to power unstoppable, are still obsessed with vying for power and profit, instead of reflecting on their actions."

They're nothing but a bunch of insects!

How can we govern Konoha well if we're with them?

Danzo glanced down at his arm and thought to himself: Only power is the essence of everything!

Just wait!

Once I possess the power of Wood Release, I will take back everything I have lost!

at the same time.

The students of Class A, first year of the Ninja Academy, are having a theoretical lesson on the Will of Fire in the classroom.

The teacher on the podium had baldness on most of his forehead.

From the start of class, he never picked up a textbook again, but that didn't stop him from giving long speeches, quoting classics and historical texts.

The students below were also busy with their own things.

Rin Nohara was diligently taking notes, while Obito Uchiha was secretly watching her.

Kurenai Yuhi was daydreaming, while Asuma Sarutobi was spying on her.

The two brothers are exactly the same in their movements and even their expressions, as if they were copied and pasted!

They would even glance at each other from time to time, and then, without prior arrangement, give each other a look of disdain.

Obito (Asuma)!

How can you look so sleazy?!

The back row of the classroom.

Matt Kai, pen in hand, lay slumped on the table, half-asleep, muttering incomprehensible things like, "My passionate youth won't allow me to fall down."

Kakashi, who was sitting at the same table, was lost in thought.

He was thinking about what to eat for dinner. It wasn't good to always take Kai out for ramen. Maybe he should try buying groceries and cooking himself?

Just then, a chill ran down my spine from behind.

Kakashi instinctively straightened up.

next moment.

Suddenly, without warning, the homeroom teacher's profile appeared through the glass of the back door of the classroom.

He glanced at the students in the class, but forgot to even scold Obito, the loser, for not studying hard enough. He just said in a low voice, "Kakashi, Guy, come to my office."

Kakashi responded and quickly woke Guy up.

The two followed behind their homeroom teacher. The windows in the corridor were open, and the wind was blowing in from outside, occasionally swirling in a few yellow leaves.

Matt Kai finally came to his senses.

He slapped the yellow leaf off his face and asked in a low voice, "Kakashi, what's going on?"

Is this some kind of punishment for not paying attention in class?

Kakashi shook his head, indicating that he didn't know either.

Ah Kai scratched his head.

Looking out the windows of the corridor, the distant view of Konoha unfolds before your eyes.

The once lush green trees on campus have now turned yellow and lost their former grandeur. Even the surrounding buildings have taken on a sense of melancholy, which makes one feel inexplicably sad.

At that moment, Might Guy couldn't explain why, but he had a strange, ominous premonition.

original.

It's already late autumn.